7 (plus one) new features of iOS 7.1

iOS 7.1 has now arrived and, in a typical Apple fashion, it is quickly rolling out to hundreds of millions of iPhones, iPads and iPod touches across the world. Sure, it’s a point update (don’t expect any ground-breaking new features), but it also brings some welcome refinements to iOS' new flat, modern looks.

The devil is in the detail is a saying that applies perfectly well to Apple’s overall philosophy and iOS 7.1 in particular. Apart from the usual bug fixes and stability improvements, minute detail is exactly what this new update is all about.

Apple has expanded the control you have over the system, adding new customization options. Even with this, iOS is still far off what Android offers on that front, but the changes are welcome. From new camera options to slight keyboard tweaks, we have covered the seven (plus one) most notable new features in iOS 7.1. Take a look below.

iOS 7.1 introduces the new Apple CarPlay option that connects your iPhone straight to the built-in display on your car (several car models support this). This way, you can use your phone more safely, without having to look down. Some features are not available - again for safety reasons, while the ones that you might want to use come with large and easy to press icons, so you don’t get distracted from driving.

Apple CarPlay

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’Slide to unlock’ has a new highlight, ‘power off’ is now different

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Go into Settings -> General -> Accessibility and you'd find new options in iOS 7.1. First, you have Button Shapes, a feature that adds a more distinct shape to buttons (notice how different the button looks with the option enabled on the left, and disabled on the right). Next, you also have options to increase contrast in different places for better visibility.

New accessibility options

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iOS 7.1 adds 'Auto HDR' to photos, so that the phone automatically determines when the conditions for an HDR photo are met and captures one without you having to fiddle with options.

Auto HDR (in iPhone 5s)

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Notice how the icons change (with a smooth animation) when you try to place a call. That's new in iOS 7.1, plus you can now tap on the new 'Add Contact' button straight from the dialer.

New call options: little call animation, add new contact button

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Overall, Apple has just slightly sped up animations throughout the system.

Animations are slightly faster

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Another slight change is that now the keyboard is slightly brighter with the keys a bit bolder, which makes for a greater contrast. The shift button has also evolved. The new one is on the left, while the old one - on the right. The devil is in the detail.

Keyboard is brighter, keys are bolder

image

Green icons are now slightly darker in iOS 7.1. You can see the new icons on the right here.

iOS 7.1 introduces the new Apple CarPlay option that connects your iPhone straight to the built-in display on your car (several car models support this). This way, you can use your phone more safely, without having to look down. Some features are not available - again for safety reasons, while the ones that you might want to use come with large and easy to press icons, so you don’t get distracted from driving.

7 (plus one) new features of iOS 7.1

1. Apple CarPlay

iOS 7.1 introduces the new Apple CarPlay option that connects your iPhone straight to the built-in display on your car (several car models support this). This way, you can use your phone more safely, without having to look down. Some features are not available - again for safety reasons, while the ones that you might want to use come with large and easy to press icons, so you don’t get distracted from driving.

2. ’Slide to unlock’ has a new highlight, ‘power off’ is now different

3. New accessibility options

Go into Settings -> General -> Accessibility and you'd find new options in iOS 7.1. First, you have Button Shapes, a feature that adds a more distinct shape to buttons (notice how different the button looks with the option enabled on the left, and disabled on the right). Next, you also have options to increase contrast in different places for better visibility.

4. Auto HDR (in iPhone 5s)

iOS 7.1 adds 'Auto HDR' to photos, so that the phone automatically determines when the conditions for an HDR photo are met and captures one without you having to fiddle with options.

5. New call options: little call animation, add new contact button

Notice how the icons change (with a smooth animation) when you try to place a call. That's new in iOS 7.1, plus you can now tap on the new 'Add Contact' button straight from the dialer.

6. Animations are slightly faster

Overall, Apple has just slightly sped up animations throughout the system.

7. Keyboard is brighter, keys are bolder

Another slight change is that now the keyboard is slightly brighter with the keys a bit bolder, which makes for a greater contrast. The shift button has also evolved. The new one is on the left, while the old one - on the right. The devil is in the detail.

8. Slightly different icons: a different shade of... green

Green icons are now slightly darker in iOS 7.1. You can see the new icons on the right here.

In America, the overall population is aging due to baby boomer generation getting into retirement age. These people need better enhancements, such as contrast, to enjoy these smartphone devices. Teenagers and those in their early 20's who are in great health mostly won't get this point.

When you get to be 40 or 50 y.o. -- that's when most people start wearing bifocals.

I noticed the contrast immediately and I didn't like it, but at least I knew why Apple did it. These contrast changes will have to grow on me.

One last thing, don't be a hypocrite when Android decides to copy Apple's contrast enhancements for better visual experience.

- A1

PS I do like the speed pick up. The device has a much faster response time.

Firstly, Android won't copy Apple's contrast enhancements you can usually change that yourself in a number of ways. Second, I was saying you can't call that a "new feature" that is just optimizing TEXT at that. If that is a feature for iOS users, then damn you people are being played for fools.

My mini isn't jail broken, but I updated it yesterday Smurf, and 7.1 is great. Speed, fluidity, stability, Siri, it's like across the board improvements. You will lose your jail break most likely though yo.

Dear i just want to say that my ipad air i was noticing so many glitches and lags but when i updated it today to 7.1 its is working like butter smooth and also i have to mention that visuals are also nice so if u are not planning to jailbreak ur device plz upgrade

The new feature of holing the button down for continued dictation for Siri is great. Texts, searches and emails are seamless, no matter the length. Very nice update apple, and thus far no crashes. Jedii approved.

Do you guys think updating iPod Touch 5 to iOS 7.1 is a good idea? I've read there's lots of issues with iOS 7.0.. Like the performance is affected cz of the heavy animations. Will it be different though with iOS 7.1? I really don't want my gaming experience to be affected. Thats what I mainly use my iPod for :/

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